What Are Other Initiatives That Support Development Mitigation?

Smart Growth

Smart Growth provides a framework for communities to make informed decisions about how and where they grow. Smart Growth enables communities to grow in ways that support economic development and jobs; create strong neighborhoods with a range of housing, commercial and transportation options; and achieve healthy communities with a clean environment.

Massachusetts Sustainable Development Principles

The State’s Sustainable Development principles are intended to care for the built and natural environment by promoting sustainable development through the integration of energy, environmental, housing, and transportation agencies’ policies, programs and regulations. The principles encourage investing public funds wisely in smart growth and equitable development.

Massachusetts Smart Growth/Smart Energy Toolkit

A toolkit was prepared by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) to assist in the implementation of smart growth/smart energy. Access to information on planning, zoning, subdivision, site design, and building construction techniques is available on this website.

Smart Growth America

Smart Growth America is a coalition of national, state and local organizations working to improve the ways towns, cities and metro areas are planned and built.

Smart Growth Network

In 1996, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined with several non-profit and government organizations to form the Smart Growth Network. The Network was formed in response to increasing community concerns about the need for new ways to grow that boost the economy, protect the environment, and enhance community vitality. Environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, professional organizations, developers, real estate interests; local and state government entities are among the Network’s partners. Smart Growth.org is a web-based catalogue of smart growth related news, events, information and resources.

Complete Streets

A growing national movement, road networks are increasingly being designed to be safer, more livable, and welcoming to all users. Instituting a Complete Streets policy, ensures that an entire roadway is consistently designed and operated to balance safety and convenience with all users in mind – including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

Each Complete Street has its own unique characteristics. Examples of components that may be found on a complete street include sidewalks, bike lanes, special bus lanes, comfortable and accessible transit stops, intersection and crosswalk improvements for non-motorized users, median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, and curb extensions.

MAPC

Promoting Smart Growth & Regional Planning

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Metropolitan Boston. Our mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. Our regional plan, MetroFuture, guides our work as we engage the public in responsible stewardship of our region’s future.